The clock chimed, disturbing the quiet of the room. Ed listened to the sound, counting the bells under his breath. 9:00 PM. His hand, moving in small circles, paused, setting the rag down on the nearby tray, and picking up his tumbler. Ice cubes clinked as he tipped the glass, cool liquid burning hot on his tongue as the whiskey filled his mouth. He let it sit, resting, tasting, eyes watching the dim firelight dance on the cut crystal, then swallowed with a sigh.
It wouldn’t have needed a polish. Once a year would have been enough, but he liked the ritual of it. His head was quiet when he worked the leather, brushing, soaping, and conditioning it. Moving over the creases, the worn patches. Remembering the years, the adventures. Tonight the custom didn’t offer the usual solace. Tonight he only felt melancholy.
Pressing himself out of the chair he moved to the nearby wardrobe and opened the doors. The interior lights made him squint but he looked over the items within, everything in its place. The silver rings of the harnesses glimmered, the trousers swayed gently, rustled in the movement of the doors. He slipped the jacket onto the lone empty coat hanger remaining, straightening its seams and fastening its toggles and buckles. The scent of the newly cleaned leather strong in the cabinet and he closed his eyes, breathing it in.
Images flashed through his mind like a slideshow. Some of his favourite scenes over the years. Some of his favourite people. But like wraiths they and their memories slipped away. Alone. He’d been alone for a long time now. It wasn’t about the sex, not really. Sex was easy. Sex was plentiful. It was the friends, the companionship that he missed. Izzy, Frenchie, Jim, hell, even Jack. Moved on, found love, had kids, had lives. It was just him now. Alone.
f*ck, he was depressed. Was this all there was? Not even the novelty of tomorrow’s event… He snorted, a ghost of a smile crossing his face. That wasn’t exactly true though, was it? Tomorrow’s event was unusual, even for Ed’s more jaded guests, and if it wasn’t going to be a thrill, at least it was going to be different. A fundraiser to boot. Maybe that would be enough.
Ed walked the bridal path, boots whisper-quiet in the grass. It was a perfect day and he was thrilled with the turnout. He took it all in, looking at the decor with a critical eye. Themed vignettes dotted the lawns and were already in use, paid pros in place to get people started and ensure everything stayed within the house rules.
You couldn’t play at Queen Anne’s if you didn’t comply - Ed didn’t care who you were, you were out and weren’t coming back. Queen Anne’s was one of a kind, world-renowned. People paid six figures to play here, to see and to be seen, and Ed’s team provided an experience to match. It was a voyeuristic experience, all sex was public, staff monitored everything. Everyone used the same safewords and permission was sought at each opportunity. And that’s why it worked. He’d seen other models come and go. Private clubs that failed, got shut down in a cloud of controversy. But not Ed’s. He was careful. He was the best.
The Tack Shed was the first stop on his rounds. Equine fetishists or pony players had a loyal following but it wasn’t necessarily a large group so despite the event being sold out for months, they assumed there’d be a lot of new players today. Helping people find the kit they liked was going to be a big part of the day’s event. As a result, Ed had brought in the best fetish costumers around to supply his guests, including one of his favourites.
“Looks great!” He called, walking through the tent. High boots, harnesses, halters, and leads were displayed between mirrored alcoves and private change rooms. He touched the leather admiringly, feeling the various textures slide under his fingertips.
“Ed? Is that you?
A blond man in Victorian gentleman’s garb, including top hat, cravat, and cane, came around the corner, carrying a butt plug with a luxurious golden tail attached to it. “Ah, Ed? You look incredible, as always?” They kissed cheeks and the Swede continued, “I’m just fitting this for a client? Is there something you need?
“Swede, thanks for doing this!” Then catching sight of the tail, “God, that’s gorgeous. Look at the way the light hits it!” Ed reached out a hand and let the hair run through his fingers. “Why’s it so soft?”
“It’s silk? A special order for a very discerning client? Watch for him at the auction today; I think you’ll like what you see?
Ed lifted his eyebrows and checked his watch. “An hour. Will I see you there?”
The Swede smiled, “Of course? I mustn’t ignore the stallion waiting?” Swede kissed his cheek again in farewell and went back to his client.
The noises from the saddlery station drew his attention next. Saddlery encompassed a wide variety of concepts. There were western and English saddles sitting on saw horses with one or two dild*s mounted to them. Saddles for pony players could be bought, dild*’d chastity belts, and a wide variety of other vibrating or stuffing devices. Sex machines were becoming increasingly popular at all their events and a rider had three of her ponies on all fours in front of them. Each was getting their ass reamed by a large leather dild*. They’d attracted quite a crowd and the enthusiasm for the thrusters was clearly growing, despite the early hour. He made a mental note to ask Evelyn to add more next time. And speak of the devil, there she was. He sidled up beside her to watch.
“That your Mary, then?”
Evelyn nodded, keeping her eyes on the action, “She’s got three subs with her today but I came by for a peek. Her ex is here too, somewhere.” She looked around as though searching for him, then took in Ed’s outfit. “Christ, you look good. That a new harness? Love the chest piece!” She reached out and ran her finger along the strings of shiny, black stone beads that covered his pecs and sat cool against his skin.
Ed knew he looked good. His black leathers fit him like a second skin. Moto boots, slim cut trousers with snaps up the sides and laces where they counted. Crossover buckles and o-rings at the waist allow for fastening points (you never know what or whom you were going to need to affix to your hip). His jacket was short, traditionally so, and left open to show off his harness. He didn’t wear zips, too scratchy, so he’d had his coat made with toggles instead. He kept his long hair tied back today, gathered together in a loose ponytail, apt all things considered, and the black and silver curls cascaded down his back. He wore a mask, almost everyone wore a mask at an event like this, especially at the start, and he preferred the traditional Colombina. Glittering in silver and black with pearl embellishments, and sitting high on the cheekbones, it showed off his jaw and eyes. Nails painted black, lashes tinted, body jewellery present and accounted for (though others might need a map to locate all the pieces) he looked like an angel, fallen and tempting.
They stayed for a while, visiting with guests, watching the changing cycles of play, until Evelyn tapped his shoulder and they made their way to the auction block. Seating was arranged in a layered semicircle in front of the stage, but by the time they got there it was standing room only. Evelyn handed him a catalogue and he flipped the pages idly as the auctioneer took the stage. It wasn’t until the bidding had started on the equines that he saw him, but by then it was too late to ask.
Craning his neck, he tried to catch sight of him, but he was too far back. He looked back in the book. Lot number ten. They’d only finished number one. This was going to take forever.
He tried to look interested in the other ponies, the riders who won time with them, the money they were raising, hand over fist, for the 2SLGBTQ+ groups they supported, but he was too distracted to take it all in. The Swede stepped in beside him and whispered, “Who are you looking for?” Ed only handed him the catalogue in reply.
“Ed? This is the client I was telling you about?” Swede said excitedly.
Evelyn grabbed the catalogue out of his hands and barked a laugh, “Jesus, it’s Stede, Mary’s ex. I can’t believe we hadn’t thought of introducing you two!”
Ed was vibrating now. He hadn’t felt this excited, buzzed with this kind of thrill, in years! Finally number ten was up and his stallion was led onto the stage.
He’d never seen anyone so beautiful. Skin oiled to a high gloss and dusted with gold flecks, bars in his nipples with aquamarine drops hanging from them, brown leather harnesses snug across his body, and hanging between his legs, a truly prodigious penis. Shapely calves rose from his heelless-hooved boots and his muscular thighs rippled with every step. Covering his gorgeous face he wore a horse’s mask, bit firmly between its teeth and straps tight around the golden curls.
The audience hummed in appreciation as his handlers came back in to strap a horse sized appendage on him, at least two feet in length, that hung clear to his knees. When the man turned in presentation, Ed thought he might faint. Embedded deep within his strong cheeks was the plug with a turquoise ribbon wrapped at the top of its exquisite tail. It f*cking swished as he walked.
Ed found himself biting his fist. Pony play had never done a thing for him before today but now he found himself converted. He may have drooled a bit. In a dreadful breach of professional etiquette, he was the first, and only one, to bid on Lot Number Ten. A million dollars. Equanimity be damned, he was a f*cking equestrian now.
He handed a shocked looking Evelyn his mobile phone. “I’m taking the rest of the day off. You’re in charge. Don’t come looking for me.” With that, he walked to the stage to pick up his prize.
He approached Stede slowly, arm outstretched, unsure how well he could see under the mask. Gently, he rested his hand in the centre of his chest, allowing him to get used to his touch. He stroked him then, clipping his lead to Stede’s harness, pulling him carefully, not wanting to tip him over in the precarious boots.
Once they were away from the block, he removed Stede’s mask, letting them look at one another properly. “I don’t actually know how this works, how you want me to behave with you,” admitted Ed after they made introductions. “I just thought you were beautiful.”
“For a million dollars, I suppose I must be,” laughed Stede. “But so are you.” Stede’s fingers traced the edges of the mask, “Can we leave this on? I’d love to f*ck you while you’re wearing it.” Stede searched Ed’s eyes, then let them roam over his body. “I love this whole leather daddy look too. Is that what you are, Ed? Maybe you’d rather f*ck me instead? Do you want to drive me, Ed, or would riding me be more your style?” Stede asked carefully, hands behind his back now, waiting to see what was in store for them both.
Ed watched his tail twitch and realised he’d already made his decision. Fingers coming to grasp the harness at Stede’s sides he gave a little tug and said, “I wanted to ride you the moment I saw you.” Bringing a hand up he ran a thumb over Stede’s cheek and leaned in for a kiss.
What started tentatively escalated quickly. Hands in the hair, inside Ed’s jacket, over Stede’s chest, back, and deliciously bare ass. Stede broke away first, panting and flushed. “Is there somewhere we can go?
Ed nodded, “The stables are just around here.” He looked down at Stede’s boots and raised an eyebrow.
“I’m a horse, Ed. I’ll be fine. Lead the way.”
Only smiling a little, he nodded and picked up the lead, guiding Stede to the paddock. Closing the gate after he was through, Ed removed the lead and hung it over the fence. “C’mere pony,” he beckoned with his finger,” leaning back against the slats, arms slung casually over the fence.
Stede walked slowly to him, swishing his tail as he moved, deliberate in his high steps. “Christ you’ve got gorgeous legs,” said Ed, admiring him as he came. He tilted his head, thinking. “Isn’t Stede a little on the nose? You spell it differently, but is that a chosen name?” He reached out, and grasped the strap holding the horse co*ck in place. “Can I remove this?” he murmured.
Stede nodded and Ed began to unfasten the buckles holding it in place. “It’s a family name. I suppose I could have your name and you’d be getting f*cked by a horse called Ed. Would that be better?”
Ed’s laugh sprang forward, loud and long, and he looked up to find Stede smiling with him. It was a nice smile, warm and inviting, and Ed felt any lingering awkwardness around this encounter fall away. “I expect I’ll be happy whatever your name is. Stede’s great,” then grinning, “suits you.”
Stede laughed now. Unburdened by his horse-sized appendage, he nestled in closely to Ed’s body, settling his hands on the rails and letting his heavy erection rest between them. “You’re wearing a lot of clothing, Ed. Can I tempt you to remove some of them?”
Stede kissed him then. It was an exploration, a tender touch of the lips, twitch of the tongue, a taste, a breath. He helped him out of his jacket and folded it over the fence. His heart swelled as he watched Stede’s eyes take him in. The tattoos and scars of a lifetime, on display, under Stede’s hands, touching and caressing every mark. He tipped his head back and let Stede kiss his neck and shoulders, a featherlight dusting that made him feel electric. God, how he wanted this man.
He brought himself up and searched Stede’s face, trying to gauge his feelings. Stede’s eyes bored into his own, “Ed, please.”
Bringing his hands to Stede’s face, he cupped his jaw and claimed his lips. Where they’d been measured they were now frantic. Stede tore at the laces of Ed’s trousers, yanking them free from their eyelets, while Ed sucked Stede’s tongue, fingers leaving bruises on his shoulders. Finally Stede got a hand down Ed’s pants and Ed groaned his relief. God, he’d barely been touched and he was ready to go off like a rocket.
“Ok, ok, ok,” he gasped, taking a breather. “Just need a minute.” He dropped his forehead on Stede’s shoulder, arms draped around his waist, fingertips dancing softly on his lightly-furred ass. Feeling a raised line, he ran his fingers over it. Stede shivered under the touch and trailed a fingertip up and down his spine, kissing the side of his head. “Is it a scar?” Ed asked, coming upright again and looking around at the mark.
Stede hummed, “Yes and no. A brand. Mary’s stable. She’s the one who trained me. I was a pleasure pony back then. Now? I’m a little more flexible.”
Ed shivered with the thought. Tattoos he knew. The brand was...exciting? He looked at Stede thoughtfully but was pulled into a hug before he could overthink things.
“We’ll need lube,” whispered Stede.
“Mmm, we will, won’t we,” agreed Ed. He turned toward the stable and whistled. A groom came out carrying a bag and handed it to Ed, who dismissed him with thanks. “Should find everything we need in here.”
A crowd had started to congregate beyond the fence, drawn by the spectacle and beauty, no doubt. Ed looked to Stede, running his thumb along the seam of his lips, then leaned in for another brief kiss and ordered, “On your knees, stallion.”
Stede lifted his chin and huffed a breath from his nose. Eyes narrowed and defiant, flecks of gold shining in the sunlight, he looked regal in his bearing. Ed was rigid in his trousers. What had started with trepidation had now graduated to a contest of wills. They maintained eye contact, neither willing to look away, but Ed slowly, arrogantly, unlaced himself, pulling himself free with a flourish. Hairless, long, and circumcised it was by all accounts, a nice penis, but his girth was what gave most people pause. He was thick, and the long, elegant fingers he’d wrapped around it did nothing to disguise the fact. “On. Your. Knees. Stallion,” he repeated, more loudly this time. “Everyone here wants to see what you look like with my co*ck in your mouth.”
Stede didn’t bat an eye nor did he glance at the crowd but held Ed’s stare as he submitted.
Ed placed a fingertip on Stede’s bottom lip and pressed.
His mouth opened.
“Wider,” said Ed.
Stede gave a little more.
“Wider,” said Ed, a little spark in his eye.
Stede licked his lips.
“Is that how it’s going to be? asked Ed.
This time, Stede smirked.
Ed surged forward and pressed himself inside, not giving Stede a moment to get used to his size. Stede grasped his hips and Ed grabbed him by the back of his head. “You ok?” Ed whispered.
Stede nodded and tried to loosen his jaw.
“Good.” And Ed pulled out, and plunged back in again.
It was fast, loose, and dirty. Ed f*cked his face relentlessly and Stede took every thrust masterfully. Horses mustn’t have gag reflexes, thought Ed wildly. But too soon, he had to stop. He didn’t want to come like this. He wanted Stede to f*ck it out of him.
Withdrawing, he knelt down in front of Stede, wiping his face and peppering him with kisses. “So good, you’re so good,” Ed whispered, over and over while Stede nuzzled his hands and his neck. “You ready for your turn?” he asked, pulling Stede to his feet.
“Have you ever been f*cked by someone like me before?” Stede asked in return.
Ed looked him up and down and shook his head, “I can honestly say, I’ve never had the pleasure.”
“Hmm,” Stede replied, stroking his co*ck and looking Ed over. “Need help with the pants?”
Ed popped the buttons on either side and ripped them from his body. “Nope, I’m good.”
Stede stepped in close and pressed Ed back against the fence. “We going to do this right here?” he asked, putting his teeth on Ed’s shoulder and biting down, just a little.
Ed shuddered under him and replied, “Yes.”
“Delightful,” smiled Stede, and wheeled him around by the hips. Keeping one hand on his hip and pressing on the centre of his back, Ed bent forward at the waist. He hung onto the railing with both hands and waited, anticipation ringing through him, but Stede let him wait. “Ed, you perfect slu*t. An eggplant? You’ve bewitched me. How wonderfully unexpected,” exclaimed Stede, amusem*nt on his face. “Does it vibrate or is it a plug?”
“I’m a well practised slu*t, thank you for noticing. It’s a plug right now. Left the remote at home.”
He grasped hold of the plug’s end and with delicate fingers, plucked at it. Ed’s focus returned all at once and he twanged and jerked with every movement. Stede pulled and prodded at the plug, and Ed moaned and groaned in response. Stede twisted and turned the plug, plunging it in and out of him, and Ed nearly cried in frustration. It was so good, he was so close, and it was nowhere near enough. Turning to look over his shoulder he cried, “Stede, get rid of this goddamned plug and f*ck me with that horse co*ck already!”
“With pleasure.”
He slicked himself liberally, twisted out the plug, tossing it to the side, and entered him in a push.
Ed’s eyes bulged with it and his breath came out in a gasp. This man was overwhelming in all the best ways. He was buried within him and Ed couldn’t get enough. “Again,” he heaved, “Do it again.”
Stede grabbed hold of a hip and shoulder, withdrew slowly, and pounded into him again. Ed’s head dropped but his grip tightened on the fence. “Your arms,” Stede said, “give me your arms.”
Ed let go of the fence and placed his hands behind his back. Normally he’d be a little nervous about this. It was a lot of control to offer someone you didn’t know, even in a safe space like Queen Anne’s, but already he trusted Stede like he was an old friend, this new lover. Stede grabbed hold of his forearms, took a wide stance, bent his knees, and began to f*ck Ed witless.
Ed’s body was being tossed like a rag doll. This was debauchery. He’d never been f*cked like this in his life. Everything had fallen away; all that was left was sensation. Stede’s co*ck in his hole and it was f*cking magnificent. It was as though they’d been made for one another. Perfectly matched. Perfectly suited.
He could feel his org*sm building but he couldn’t focus on it, couldn’t concentrate, because all his senses were being scattered, rattling around in his skull. He’d completely given himself over, letting Stede use him for his pleasure, and he loved it. He thought it couldn’t get any better, and then he spoke.
“You’re perfect, Ed. You’re taking me perfectly and watching my co*ck moving in you has got to be the hottest thing I’ve ever seen. But sweetheart? When I f*ck you, I want to hear you.
Like a dam broken, Ed unleashed a torrent of sound. He grunted with the thrusts, he squealed when Stede adjusted the angle, he screamed when his org*sm ripped through his body, thrashing his head from side to side and still Stede worked him. As he became limp in Stede’s arms, he felt himself being gathered up, pulled tightly to Stede’s chest. With an arm around his waist and another around his shoulders, Stede buried his face in his neck and gave him three more sharp, short thrusts until he was throbbing inside him.
“Ed,” Stede gasped, “Oh, Ed.”
One Year Later
Ed walked the bridal path, boots whisper-quiet in the grass, his Stede prancing behind him.
